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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Oh, I was not really a fan of Eve and Aidan for the longest time. :( Never have I read a historical romance with such incompatible love interests. I *know* that's what this story is about--how a marriage for convenience eventually grows into one of true love--but I guess they're just not my cup of tea. Eve is angelically good and lovely; Aidan and his siblings are all a little too stiff and cruel for my taste. Balogh is a great writer, that's for sure; I guess this particular series of hers is not really to my liking, since I'm not too fond of any of the Bedwyns and don't really feel inclined to learn more about them all.
This book was the perfect balance between the ease of attraction and conflict level. Perfect example of a miscommunication based conflict being done right for a strangers marriage of convenience as the conflict was consistent throughout and originated from the fact that they were strangers who got married
I'm sorry I couldn't. I feel disappointed when I read great reviews for a well loved book and don't feel the same. However, I was literally rolling my eyes during most of it, especially that first love scene.
I dnf-ed it halfway and I have no regrets.
I am learning that historical romance may not be my genre...
I dnf-ed it halfway and I have no regrets.
I am learning that historical romance may not be my genre...
Good old fashioned marriage of convenience Regency romance from 2003, a nostalgic read in a good way.
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 on the second reading, now that I have more familiarity with Balogh's oeuvre
Hah, the description of this on the main page is all over the place!
Colonel Aidan must fulfil a debt of honor: his life was saved by a soldier during the Napoleonic wars, and, on the man's death, he vows to protect his siter, Eve, no matter what. On coming to give the news of her brother's death to Eve, Aidan finds the peculiarities of her land's entailment: she was given it for one year after her father's death, after which it would be given to her brother, and should he predecease the entailment, to her cousin. The only way she can keep the property and remain in her home with her many charity cases is if she marries.
So, obviously, they marry. And thus begins a typical romance novel antipathy-to-love plot!
But it's quite enjoyable. Eve is genuinely clever, and pretty sassy, as she gets more comfortable. Aidan comes to a quick realization of his love, and then spends hundreds of pages under the mistaken impression he'll lose her. And, in the end, we get the ending any romance novel reader wants.
It's got me quite eager to read the rest of the series!
Colonel Aidan must fulfil a debt of honor: his life was saved by a soldier during the Napoleonic wars, and, on the man's death, he vows to protect his siter, Eve, no matter what. On coming to give the news of her brother's death to Eve, Aidan finds the peculiarities of her land's entailment: she was given it for one year after her father's death, after which it would be given to her brother, and should he predecease the entailment, to her cousin. The only way she can keep the property and remain in her home with her many charity cases is if she marries.
So, obviously, they marry. And thus begins a typical romance novel antipathy-to-love plot!
But it's quite enjoyable. Eve is genuinely clever, and pretty sassy, as she gets more comfortable. Aidan comes to a quick realization of his love, and then spends hundreds of pages under the mistaken impression he'll lose her. And, in the end, we get the ending any romance novel reader wants.
It's got me quite eager to read the rest of the series!
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Gobbled this up! This series is kind of revered within the genre of historical romance and it is weird coming to it so late! and esp. after reading Balogh's other lengthy family series the Westcotts. (Was Bewcastle a prototype for my fave Netherby?) I'm not a huge fan of children in my romances but Balogh does write them v sweetly. Eve I found super likeable and relatable (her relief at someone else carrying her burdens for a while; valuing kindness more as you get older) and of course I loved how the Bedwyns rallied around her! esp. Bewcastle turning up unexpectedly but crucially at the "trial". Also I found it interesting how Aidan turned away from his career to be at Ridgewood with Eve and his family when he'd always put "duty" first, but it was all explained v well in terms of his personal history and how he'd come to be a military man in the first place. He defied Bewcastle to support Eve and I mean that's pretty sexy tbh. Had to buy a copy off eBay since it's not available on Kindle in Australia(?!) and I hate the new covers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping